Congratulations to hobbes382 for winning Feature Thread of the Week with 3 votes - View Previous Winners
From this past September in Serengeti, Tanzania.
Shot with the Canon 7d mk2 and a combination of the Canon 500 f/4 IS mk2 and Canon 300 f/2.8 IS mk1.
Utterly beautiful and enchanting to watch five tiny cubs interact with mom and the cubs play with each other. My guide estimated that the cubs were only about 3 weeks old. We observed them several times over the course of 4 days; for hours and hours each time. We couldn't tear ourselves away. From the first day to the last we could already see the cubs getting stronger, more active and playful. The cherry on top was that each time we were completely alone with them; no one else in sight as far as the eye could see.
Wonderful set of images!
An extended interaction like you had is as good as it gets.
The mom has a big challenge to keep them (and herself) all fed and alive.
Wonderful set. When my kids were young, we had a Mother raise her five kits in our backyard. So many magical hours spent with my boys watching the antics you so perfectly captured here.
crteach wrote:
Lots of really great shots - excellent framing and you hit some nice light on their faces in several shots!
Thanks! Some of that early morning light was to die for.
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surfnron wrote:
This is an adorable set Hobbes ~ Ron
Thanks Ron!
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troy bilt wrote:
What a trip... amazing set.
Thanks Troy!
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dclark wrote:
Wonderful set of images!
An extended interaction like you had is as good as it gets.
The mom has a big challenge to keep them (and herself) all fed and alive.
Dave
Thanks Dave! Yes the mother has her work cut out for her. She has to keep catching prey more frequently to keep them fed while trying to keep them out of sight from predators. They are that rambunctious stage where they are running around, but they are not fast or strong enough to escape if they are found.
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1bwana1 wrote:
Wonderful set. When my kids were young, we had a Mother raise her five kits in our backyard. So many magical hours spent with my boys watching the antics you so perfectly captured here.
Thanks for posting,
Steve
Thanks Steve! What a memory that must be for for your kids. I had a cat growing up and have had one ever since getting out of school. But never the experience of having a mother cat with kittens.
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lighthound wrote:
Holy cow! What an absolutely incredible set! The entire set is over the top amazing but I have to say you have a couple of Nat Geo shots here.
You hit the "Motherload" I would say.
Wow! Fantastic work.
Voted!
Dave
Thanks Dave! Appreciate the compliments.
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KCollett wrote:
Superb set of little cuties. Well done!!
Thanks!
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G.E. Smith wrote:
Hobbes,
WOW, These are just incredible. Fantastic work! What a treat and what an experience. Thank you for sharing these beautiful, images.
Greg
Thanks Greg! It surely was a treat. Those little cubs with those little curious, inquisitive faces were to die for.
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dallvr wrote:
Terrific set of photos of the cheetah family!
Thanks!
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cavuken wrote:
What a treat-I would have filled up every card I had brought. Well done.
Thanks! I did actually use quite a bit of storage with those cats.
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kmunroe wrote:
an excellent set Hobbes
Thanks Ken!
